Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

So much of what we experience and feel, what we do, and who we are as individuals are functions of our brain. That is why traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are so devastating and life-altering. When the brain suffers severe damage due to an accident or other violent trauma, it can change a person forever. A parent who can no longer help a child with their homework, a teenager whose dreams for the future are suddenly limited, a spouse who needs assistance with the most basic activities of daily life – all of these tragedies and more can follow in the wake of a brain injury.

And it is not just the victims who suffer. The families of individuals with traumatic brain injuries will never be the same as they lose a breadwinner and companion, and spend their physical, mental, and emotional energy – and finances – on caregiving.

Justice and Compensation for Brain Injury Victims and Their Families

Millions of Americans and tens of thousands of individuals in Michigan live with the struggles and challenges that follow a traumatic brain injury. For many, those difficulties result directly from another person’s negligent or reckless conduct. Those who inflict such pain and damage on others should be held accountable, and the families whose lives have been turned upside-down need and deserve the compensation that can provide a measure of relief and justice.

At Sommers Schwartz, our personal injury lawyers have seen first-hand the consequences of a severe brain injury, whether caused by a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, a slip-and-fall, a construction accident, or other forms of negligence. We use our extensive experience and fierce commitment to injury victims to get them the maximum compensation available for their losses.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain damage caused by an external force striking the head, whether from a blunt force or a projectile penetrating the skull.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 2.8 million Americans sustain a TBI each year. Related statistics are equally jarring:

• TBI contributed to the deaths of 56,800 Americans in 2014 alone (the last year for CDC TBI statistics), including the deaths of 2,529 children.
• In 2014, an estimated 812,000 children received treatment in U.S. emergency rooms for concussion or TBI, alone or in combination with other injuries.
• TBI is a contributing factor in a third of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
• 153 Americans die every day from injuries that involve a TBI.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Several events and occurrences can cause a catastrophic brain injury, many of which involve negligence or the intentional acts of others. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of TBIs, followed by being struck by or against an object.

In Michigan, approximately 30 percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by car accidents, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Besides vehicle accidents and falls, other common causes of TBI include sports injuries and acts of violence, such as physical assault, gunshots, child abuse, or domestic violence.

Symptoms of TBI

All cases of TBI are serious, but the symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

Mild to moderate symptoms	Moderate to serious symptoms
Headache Confusion Lightheadedness Dizziness Blurred vision or tired eyes Ringing in the ears Bad taste in the mouth Fatigue or lethargy A change in sleep patterns Behavioral or mood changes Trouble with memory Trouble concentrating Poor attention Problems thinking	Worsening headache Repeated vomiting or nausea Seizures or convulsions Difficulty waking up Dilation of one or both pupils Slurred speech Weakness or numbness in the extremities Loss of coordination Increased confusion Increased restlessness Increased agitation

Fallout of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury victims often must endure months or years of rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, and countless doctor’s visits. A whole team of medical professionals, including physical therapists, neurologists, psychologists, and chiropractors, can become part of the recovery process. A victim may need assistance and continuous care indefinitely, and families often must modify their homes to physically accommodate a loved one.

These medical, physical, and psychological burdens become even heavier when compounded by astronomical medical bills, insurance and disability claims, and many other practical challenges that can make every day a struggle.

Sommers Schwartz Michigan Brain Injury Lawyers

If you or your loved one is living with the aftermath of a brain injury, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Sommers Schwartz. We will use our skill, experience, and commitment to recover compensation for all of your losses, including lost wages, loss of the enjoyment of everyday life, mental stress, pain and suffering, loss of future income, permanent disability, and medical bills.

Contact us today at (866) 943-2562 to arrange for your free consultation.